SUCCESSFUL PER-VAGINAL MANAGEMENT OF DYSTOCIA DUE TO A DICEPHALIC FETUS IN A CROSSBRED COW

Abstract

A five-year-old Holstein Friesian crossbred cow at full-term gestation was presented with prolonged labour and failure to deliver the fetus. Per-vaginal examination revealed complete cervical dilatation and a dead fetus in anterior longitudinal presentation with two fully developed heads attached to a common neck and trunk, causing mechanical obstruction of the birth canal. Under caudal epidural anaesthesia and adequate lubrication, the fetus was repelled, appropriately aligned and extracted per vaginum by controlled traction on the forelimbs. The dam received supportive postpartum therapy and recovered without complications. The case demonstrates that, when the cervix is fully dilated and adequate pelvic space is available, careful obstetrical manipulation may permit vaginal delivery of a dicephalic fetus and avoid fetotomy or caesarean section.